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"I am more than sure that the Artsakh leadership, its people will never accept any solution to be part of Azerbaijan," Artsakh's State Minister Artak Beglaryan stated during an online press conference on Thursday. Beglaryan admitted that Artsakh passes through a difficult period, which does not necessarily mean there is no opportunities to continue the struggle. 

"Our road seems longer now. On the other hand, we have additional opportunities - including external political ones - to better organize our struggle for protecting the right to self-determination. Our arguments are now better perceived by the international community, as two of the three principles for the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict are no longer valid. As a result of the war, the principle of territorial integrity and refrain from threat or use of force are no longer valid," said Beglaryan. In his words, the people's right to self-determination is the only remaining principle that should be focused on, and the fact is ackowledged by the Minsk Group and the international community. 

"We will continue our struggle in this direction. The Republic of Armenia should definitely exert active efforts, and we hope for positive dynamics in  the coming future," said the State Minister. 

Answering the question about future developments when the five-year term of Russian peacekeeping mission Nagorno-Karabakh ends, the minister expressed opinion the Russian mission would not be limited to five years. "The time will tell what solutions will be provided,  likewise the actions of major powers will show. I am confident we will have Russian peacekeepers here for a long period to ensure the security of the Artsakh residents. Our Defense Army and the Armed Forces on their part will guarantee the security ," said Beglaryan.